By RANOBA BAOA
The South Pacific Stock Exchange is hoping to link up more potential investors with the licensed stockbrokers and investment advisers through its lunch-hour seminars.
The stock exchange once again held this popular seminar on Thursday at the De Vos on the Park in Suva.
This seminar targeted the working class people and other potential investors wanting to have shares as part of their overall investment portfolio.
Chief executive, Jinita Prasad, said the people could assist the potential investors to help them decide which securities to buy shares in depending on their investment objectives.
Over 60 people attended the session from corporate organisations, listed companies and students as well as potential and existing investors.
To date SPSE has 18-listed securities and a market capitalisation of $808.9 million while its Total Return Index (STRI) stands 1921.30.
Preparing, diversifying
Ms Prasad stressed with the cost of living gradually increasing, which no doubt will continue to increase in future, the purchasing power of one’s money cannot be guaranteed in future.
“In doing so, people need to consider saving and investing from now to meet their financial goals for the future,” she said.
Ms Prasad also added that people need to diversify their investments so that a loss in one investment can be covered by a gain in another.
“SPSE listed securities are from various sectors of the economy which gives investors a choice to have a balanced portfolio,” she said.
Ms Prasad said investment in the stock market is suited for long-term so that investors can realise capital gains as well as enjoy regular income inform of dividends.
Returns from investing
Additionally, during the seminar, average rate of returns from the stock market was discussed which Ms Prasad labelled ‘quite attractive’ compared to other investment options.
“So if people are very serious about making their money grow, then they should consider investing in the stock market,” she said.
Meanwhile, the stock market is eyeing new listed companies but prefers to keep further details confidential and will disclose as and when it comes up.
“We are working on new companies to list as well and hopefully some listings will start coming,” Ms Prasad said.
“We’re hoping to get one new listing this year but nothing can be said right now.”
South Pacific Stock Exchange chief executive, Jinita Prasad. Photo: RONALD KUMAR